Outdated HIV Criminalization Law Negatively Affects Michiganders

Campaign Seeks to Expose Anti-LGBT History of ‘The Real Mike Pence’

Ferndale Pride 2018 Welcomes Volunteer Help

This Is What’s Wrong: Nassar and MSU Are Not Alone JESSIE WARE DANCES THROUGH LIFE Songstress Talks Gaining Confidence From the Queer Community and Upcoming Detroit Show

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM APRIL 26, 2018 | VOL. 2617 | FREE Choose PrideSource/Between The Lines when completing this survey. Thanks for your help. HIV CRIMINALIZATION OPINION

14 COVER JESSIE WARE NEWS: LIFE 4 A Hookup Gone Wrong 14 Jessie Ware Dances Leads to Years in Prison Through Life (and Soon, 8 This Is What’s Wrong: 6 List of Summer Prides Her Next Album) 6 Ferndale Pride 2018 20 Happenings Nassar and MSU Are Not Welcomes Volunteer Help 22 Classifieds Alone 7 Lobby Day 2018 to Bring 23 Puzzle and Crossword 4 Michigan’s Unjust HIV Criminalization Laws Community Members, Politicians Face-to-Face COOL CITIES: 10 Campaign Seeks to COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EVENTS HAPPENINGS Expose Anti-LGBT History ANN ARBOR of ‘The Real Mike Pence’ 17 Theatre NOVA’s ‘The Devil’s Music: The Life and 10 Senate Confirms Anti- 6 Pride Season Blues of Bessie Smith’ LGBT Jim Bridenstine as Extended NASA Chief Arriving 17 Ann Arbor’s Dawn Farm 12 FLASHBACK: Blade’s Offers Presentation on 1989 Report on Barbara Volunteers Gratitude and Addiction Bush Hugging Man with Recovery AIDS Needed 17 Jim Toy Center Hosts 20 Best of LGBT Events 12 Syracuse University Chipotle Fundraiser May 1 Suspends Frat for ‘Racist, Anti-Semitic, Homophobic’ NATIONAL NEWS Video 12 Dems Object OPINION 10 Mike Pence’s 12 Remembering 26 Rep. Hoadley, Sen. O’Brien Honored by to Removal of 8 Parting Glances Caring Across Generations Barbara Bush 8 This is What’s Wrong: Anti-Gay 26 Michigan’s Safe Delivery Law Helping Save Nassar and MSU are Not LGBT Health Newborns Agenda Alone Data 9 Creep of the Week: 26 ACLU of Michigan to Hold LGBTQ Donald Trump Community Forum in Benton Harbor

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April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com | BTL 3 NEWS A Hookup Gone Wrong Leads to Years in Prison State’s Outdated HIV Criminalization Law Negatively Affects Michiganders BY TODD HEYWOOD

eremy Merithew’s life took a turn for the worse when what was intended to be a Jcasual hookup earned him a brush with discrimination and substantial jail time. That’s because he was HIV-positive and his hookup, Dwayne Cook, claimed Merithew failed to disclose his status before the two engaged in oral and anal sex. That’s a four-year felony in Michigan and has been since 1989. His mother, Teresa Perrin, has been by his side for the whole fight. “It’s been a heartbreaking experience in what he’s gone through,” she said, “and not being able to get him out of it, and the way he was treated and the unfairness of it all.” Both Perrin and Merithew were in Lansing last week to lobby lawmakers to change Michigan’s law. Iowa, California and Illinois have all modernized their laws in recent years. Matthew Craig, coalition director for the Michigan Coalition for HIV Health and Safety, said having Merithew accompany the group in lobbying efforts to reform and modernize Michigan’s laws is important. “As far as when it comes to a personal story and talking about how Michigan’s HIV criminalization laws affect Michiganders, I think it’s important that we have people who have been affected badly by this law be able to speak to their own experiences,” Jeremy Merithew with his mother, Teresa Perrin, has been by his side for the whole fight. he said. “Basically, our ability to translate to lawmakers and let them know that this is chained me to the floor and, they sat there and transmitting the virus. actually published my online profile picture, something we need them to change.” interviewed me for over an hour or whatever It still grinds now 37-year-old Merithew which was a full nude picture, on the 6 o’clock Craig’s coalition is working with lawmakers after they let me sit there for a while and stew to this day. news,” he said. “So yes. The inmates were to provide them basic HIV education while ... I think it was the next day they came back “I mean, it’s just we live in the 21st century,” aware of what was going on. But in their lobbying for the introduction of legislation and arrested me.” he said. “Science should be taken into account minds, they saw it as I was intentionally to modernize the law to require prosecutors Evidence used at trial, however, raised when it comes to medical-type laws.” trying to infect people, and so it’s just called to prove the accused had an intent to transmit questions as to whether or not there was a perception. The general public’s idea of what the virus, as well as engaged in behavior disclosure of Merithew’s positive status. HIV is, or what the criminal statute actually demonstrated to transmit it. Because right now, Merithew said that he was asked questions Publicly Outed is.” intent doesn’t have to proven for the accused before the hookup via email and answered to be sentenced. Before Merithew had a chance to confront “yes” to each. his accuser in court, the local Fox News His accuser, Cook, had his own issues. At affiliate, Fox 17, revealed he had created an Stigma Surfaces Miscommunication the time of the hookup he was a married man online profile on the same hookup app in While in jail, Merithew would soon face with a pregnant wife who worked to raise violation of his bond terms. Judge Redford more allegations promoted by the television In August of 2012, Merithew was finishing money for a local housing agency. Ironically, revoked Merithew’s bond and he was sent station. He would stand accused of trying to his studies to become a nurse. He lived in a that agency also administered federal money to jail. infect other inmates with food. Grand Rapids suburb, and used an app get into for the Housing Opportunities for People with “Yeah, there was some guy online actually “I was getting sandwiches with my meds contact with Cook. AIDS (HOPWA) program. (who) turned me into Fox 17 news,” he said. and I don’t like bologna, so I was giving “Then, two days after, the police came to Despite having been on medications for “And it was kind of creepy when my lawyer them away instead of throwing them in the my door,” Merithew said. “Knocking on the years and maintaining an undetectable viral read after the fact, you know, who this guy was garbage. This one guy who everybody was door, asking all sorts of personal questions. load, Merithew’s attorney, Christine Yared, and basically said, ‘Yeah, I’ve known him for calling ‘Crackhead Joe,’ he would always go I answered them truthfully. I willingly went was prevented by Kent County Circuit Court years, I’ve been following him for years.’” around saying, ‘I’m not a crackhead,’ and, down to the police station with this guy so Judge James Redford from presenting any And the media scrutiny didn’t stop there. bang, he would hit his arm like that,” Merithew that they could interrogate me. They basically scientific evidence that he was incapable of “That would be because Fox 17 news slapped his arm to indicate shooting up drugs.

4 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Jeremy Merithew was paroled earlier this year, but he remains restricted. Because he was ordered to register as a sex offender, which the Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act does not require for his specific conviction, A Hookup Gone Wrong Leads to Years in Prison he’s prohibited from using computers and must wear an ankle monitor. Those restrictions even prevent him from enrolling in online classes. State’s Outdated HIV Criminalization Law Negatively Affects Michiganders “He asked me, ‘Why are you giving these Still, his HIV status traveled with him, and it sandwiches to so-and-so?’ And I’m like, ‘Well reared its head while he was taking classes to do you want extra mayonnaise on it too?’ learn how to work in food service. Someone Just kind of getting him to go away, because asked Merithew to do the dishes although he he’s just being annoying. So he went around wasn’t yet officially qualified to do so. telling all the guys that I was trying to infect “And all the guys back there in the kitchen everybody by ejaculating on the sandwiches.” started throwing a fit, so I went back and According to Merithew, that attempt at the next day I didn’t have a call out for the getting his fellow inmate to leave him alone culinary arts class,” he said. “So, I basically escalated unexpectedly and severely when sent – they call them kites – a note to the others learned of his comment. instructor of the class asking him why I was “The Bible-thumper fanatic came up to me taken out of this.” that day and he tried to talk to me, but I was Merithew said that the head of the vocational watching the news so I kind of just brushed programs in the Michigan Department of him off,” Merithew said. “So he went and Corrections, or MDOC, refused him based on told the CO about the incident, and then he his history in correctional institutions. came and talked to me and they locked me in segregation.” His attorney called the incident a “jailhouse Misinformation, Revised Rules joke,” but Judge Redford, according an MLive The MDOC has a history of rejecting HIV- report, said the incident was like yelling fire positive inmates from accessing jobs in food in a crowded theater. service. Prosecutors, under the direction of then “A prison holds about 1,000 (to) 1,200 Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth, people and as those 1,000 prisoners go through tried to get Merithew to plead guilty to one for breakfast, lunch and dinner, prisoners are count of violating the state’s HIV disclosure scooping that food onto their trays,” said law. When he refused, he received another MDOC’s spokesman Russ Marlan in a 2009 count, this one for the oral sex he had had, as statement to Between The Lines. “So if a well as a felony charge of using a computer prisoner was HIV-positive and sneezed onto to commit a crime. He was found guilty on a food item and then a prisoner ate that food all three counts in May 2013, and in June of item and that prisoner had a lesion in their that year he was sentenced to a minimum of mouth, they could contract the disease.” five years in prison. Marlan also used the concept of a prisoner bleeding on food as a potential for the spread of the virus. A Tarnished Record “Say a prisoner cuts himself and his blood The stigma around his virus followed falls on a radish and somebody eats that Merithew past that incident. He was sent radish and that he’s got an open lesion in his to prison in Jackson for processing after his mouth. There’s a potential for him to contract sentence and was kept in solitary confinement that disease,” Marlan said. “As responsible for 45 days. Then, despite having a low corrections professionals dedicated to running security risk, he was sent to a maximum a safe and secure prison system, we made security facility in Ionia, Michigan. the decision not to allow them (prisoners “Basically, Kent County contacted the with HIV) to work in that area of prison prison and said that I was gonna come to operations.” the prison and intentionally try to infect The department lifted that ban a year later, everybody with HIV. So that was the reason in 2010. that they locked me up,” Merithew said. Merithew was paroled earlier this year, “And, during that time, I was speaking to a but he remains restricted. Because he was psychologist that was there in the seg. unit. ordered to register as a sex offender, which the Basically, he told me that they were saying I Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act does was vindictive, and all of this other horrible not require for his specific conviction, he’s stuff. He said (that) he didn’t see that, but prohibited from using computers and must they kept me there in segregation until they wear an ankle monitor. Those restrictions even shipped me out.” prevent him from enrolling in online classes. After time in Ionia, he was transferred to Merithew’s accuser, Cook, declined to the prison in Adrian – a lower-security facility. comment on this story.

www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 5 NEWS Ferndale Pride 2018 Welcomes Volunteer Help 2018 Michigan BY DREW HOWARD

Summer Prides ith Ferndale Pride 2018 just around Ypsilanti Pride: Friday, June 1 – Wthe corner on June 2, festival organizers are still twitter.com/wpsipride welcoming interested volunteers to help facilitate one of metro Ferndale Pride: Saturday, June 2 – Detroit’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations of the year. ferndalepride.com Preparations for Ferndale Pride 2018 began as early as Motor City Pride – Detroit: Saturday, a year ahead of time, with June 9 to Sunday, June 10 – the festival’s core organizers working the past 10 months to motorcitypride.org schedule live entertainment, track and maintain the event Kalamazoo Pride: Friday, budget, coordinate vendors and June 8 to Saturday, June 9 – raise funds — among many other necessary things. Organizers pride.outfrontkzoo.org are now enlisting the help of volunteers to work the day of Grand Rapids Pride: Saturday, the event. “We need people for set up, BTL file photo: Ferndale Pride volunteers 2017 June 16 – grpride.org we really need people for tear- down and we need people Michigan Pride – Lansing: Saturday, throughout the day as runners providing general assistance as needed. sure the event wasn’t just about spending the June 16 – gaybe.am/j6 who can carry things to the main event,” Volunteers are also needed to photograph money the sponsors give to throw a party,” Ferndale Pride Chair Julia Music said. the event and monitor the festival’s “sober Pawlica said. “We always wanted to make “It could be as simple as running a paper space.” sure there’s money leftover we could donate Flint Pride: Saturday, June 23 – to a vendor ... so many people need to be “Photography volunteers are a crew to local LGBT organizations to help them gaybe.am/AX accommodated.” of volunteer professional and hobby move forward.” Music said that close to 100 volunteers photographers that help us record the entire Residual donation money has grown year are on the ground to help run the event every event,” Music told BTL. “The sober space to year, Pawlica said. Ferndale Pride’s first Great Lakes Bay Pride – Bay City: year, and that this year, the event’s footprint is a dedicated area for those in the sober outing in 2011 saw around $1,000 given Saturday, June 30 – gaybe.am/F6 will be “dramatically” different than past community or those interested in becoming back to local non-profits, while the 2017 years. That’s because the festival is zoned sober. There are games, literature and celebration racked up $24,000. Pawlica is Battle Creek Pride – Thursday, to run straight down 9 Mile from Woodward activities. Volunteers in that area engage hoping to give back even more with Ferndale to Livernois road. And, volunteers will be participants and help make sure the area is Pride 2018. July 12 to Monday, July 16 – needed to help accommodate both festival running smoothly.” “Our goal this year is to raise $81,000, and battlecreekpride.org attendees as well the 41 extra vendors that are Just as crucial as the day-of volunteer we want to give back $26,000 or $27,000,” now afforded a space thanks to new layout. work are the promotional efforts leading up Pawlica said. “Everything is volunteer. All of Shawn Starkey, head coordinator of Hotter Than July – Detroit: Tuesday, to the celebration. Greg Pawlica, finance us who work in co-chair positions or chairs logistics for Ferndale Pride, said volunteers coordinator with Ferndale Pride, said his of committee, we don’t get paid.’ July to Sunday, July 29 – gaybe. are especially needed during the early hours team uses volunteers to spread the word The official Ferndale Pride website am/yy of the festival. online and in-person about the event. provides two options for donations: the “At 5:45 a.m. we literally have volunteers “We ask people to distribute save-the-date “Rainbow Sponsorship” at $200 and the using spray chalk and marking where cards to businesses,” Pawlica said. “In the “Unicorn Sponsorship” at $50, $100, and/ Ann Arbor Pride – Friday, Aug. 3 to different next couple of weeks we’ll be distributing or $200. Perks for both packages can be Sunday, Aug. 5 – annarborpride.com vendors set up,” Starkey said. “They help to bars and restaurants and commercial found online. set up tables, chairs and the tents. There are businesses, putting them on cash registers or Those looking to financially support this also volunteers there to help vendors when desk areas where people pay their bills. We’ll year’s festival are also encouraged to attend they arrive, to show them where they are also be putting up posters announcing it’s one of the several upcoming fundraisers and unload chairs.” coming. A lot of times, we need volunteers being held across Ferndale. Other Ferndale For those interested in helping out, the for that - it’s hard for one person to go to all businesses like Rosie O’ Grady’s, Rebel official Ferndale Pride website ferndalepride. the businesses.” Health and Fitness and Otus Supply will Take some time to volunteer at a com provides a complete list of volunteer Perhaps most important, however, is what also host Pride-related events in the coming Pride event near you. Check out the opportunities needed on the day of the individuals can do to support the festival weeks. event. Examples include setting up and/or financially, as Ferndale Pride organizers are For more information on how to get involved with websites for more information. monitoring the children’s area, manning known to give back a percentage of funds the check-in tables, collecting donations, raised for the event to local nonprofit groups. Ferndale Pride 2018, including a full schedule assisting the DJ, guarding the barriers and “When we first started, we wanted to make of volunteer meetings, visit ferndalepride.com.

6 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Lobby Day 2018 to Bring Community Members, Politicians Face-to-Face BY DREW HOWARD at the Michigan Municipal League on Capitol Avenue, where organizers will take a quality Michigan promotes anti- moment to introduce themselves and welcome violence and advocacy for the LGBTQ attendees. Organizers will also debrief Ecommunity and it’s continuing its fight attendees on specific talking points regarding for pro-LGBTQ policies and politicians at its key pieces of legislation, Knott said, in an next “Lobby Day” on Tuesday, May 15. That effort to better prepare individuals to hold a day the public will have an opportunity to sit conversation with elected officials. down and talk with elected officials about “We like to make sure folks have some today’s most pressing issues. knowledge on pro-equality pieces of Erin Knott, political director for Equality legislation,” Knott told BTL. “We develop Michigan, says this next installment will talking points, do some role playing and piggyback off the efforts of EQMI’s previous answer questions so participants feel more Lobby Day in September 2017, where comfortable.” organizers focused their discussions around Participants will then be sent on their amending the Elliott- way to the capitol to meet Larsen Civil Rights Act representatives for face- to include protections for to-face discussions. Those sexual orientation and interested in lobbying aren’t gender identity. required to show up at 8:30 “Over 40 municipalities a.m., Knott said, as EQMI have passed non- will make accommodations discrimination ordinances for late arrivals. that protect the LGBT You don’t have to be a community,” Knott said. veteran activist to make “And while we celebrate an impact on Lobby Day, over 40 municipalities Knott added, as speaking that have passed pro- from personal experience equality ordinances it’s a can be just as effective as patchwork system, and we memorizing talking points. need full inclusiveness ... “At our September Lobby and that means amending Day we had a couple folks Elliot-Larsen.” who lost their job or housing LGBTQ+ individuals because they were members are not accounted for in the Elliott-Larsen of the LGBTQ+ community who weren’t Civil Rights Act, meaning they can be legally protected under Elliot-Larsen,” Knott said. discriminated against in housing, employment “Stories of hardship in finding a new job of and public accommodations. The Michigan housing were really impactful when they were Civil Rights Commission has twice tabled a shared from the person who went through the vote to include such people, once on Sept. 18 terrible experience.” and again in November. Knott repeatedly emphasized that Lobby EQMI will also facilitate discussions with Day is just one piece of a much larger lawmakers around efforts to pass House movement to elect pro-LGBTQ candidates in Bill 5550, which would prohibit licensed the upcoming election. professionals from conducting conversion “This is one of many activities through the therapy on minors. Conversion therapy is the months leading to the fall election cycle – it’s pseudoscientific practice of trying to change going to be a steady drum beat,” Knott said. an individual’s sexual orientation using “The narrative here is that when you go to the psychological or spiritual interventions, and polls in November, be a pro-equality voter.” is opposed by several psychological experts. Knott confirmed that representatives State Rep. Adam Zemke (D-Southfield) Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) and Adam reintroduced House Bill 5550 for the third time Zemke (D-Southfield), who have worked on Feb. 8. Michigan would become the 11th on legislation concerning Elliott-Larsen and state to outlaw such practices if the bill passes. conversion therapy respectively, will both be House Bill 5550’s reintroduction coincided attending Lobby Day. Organizers will have with the recent controversy surrounding a better idea of who’s attending as the day Metro City Church’s alleged conversion approaches. therapy workshop, which the church’s leaders Those interested in participating in Lobby Day call an “Unashamed Identity Workshop.” Zemke denounced the actions of the church are asked to RSVP ahead of time by emailing in a previous interview with BTL, calling Erin Knott at [email protected]. For the classes “wildly inappropriate” and more information on upcoming EQMI events, “misrepresentative of our values” as a state. as well how to support its initiatives, please visit Lobby Day 2018 kicks off at 8:30 a.m. equalitymi.org. www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 7 A Visitor From My Past Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

t’s been 65 years since I last saw the young man who now sits across from me. He has at age 19 what a friend calls “the lyric Ipoetry of youth:” a freshness of look that’s a joy to see. Over the years he hasn’t changed much (still the shy boyish look, still the blond cowlick). Oh my, in contrast, I have! It’s hard for me not to make comparisons. After all, it was summer 1955 when he first stood on the corner of Farmer and Bates at the Hub Grill in downtown Detroit. It was a big step for him to take (Gays were not tolerated then and the closet was haven). I’ll give him credit for taking that first scary step on what would be his long gayhood journey. Yes, so much has happened since then. So many people I once knew are gone. A whole world has vanished, and I find myself bewildered by the sideshow that has taken its place. A carnival of glitter, guns and guttersnipe. Trump, Pence, Pat Robertson, Franklin Graham, Theocrats. At my age it scares hell out of me. As my young visitor looks out my studio window at the robins, buds, and overall struggle for spring, he seems both a friend and, curiously to me, a stranger. Did we ever exchange glances on that downtown crossing of gay bars? Did we take time to get to know one another? There is I’m sure a kinship of sorts between us. A then-and-now contrast. The important thing is he dropped by today (for whatever reason). It’s nice to have visitors, especially on a cloudy day. And I must confess there have been too many overcast days this reluctant April. It would be great if he could stay and keep me company, but what has youth got to do with old age? I wonder after all these years how he found me (foolish I know, but I find myself asking what her thinks of me. This overweight, bald, retired fuddy-duddy. Have I become someone to respect? Would he be likely in time to trade places with me?). Viewpoint He turns and smiles. Not a full, open smile, but a smile with a touch of hesitation. Sensitive is the word that comes to mind. Maybe he’ll become a writer, a poet or an artist. He seems to have the temperament. Will he make something of his life? Ah, the perennial question for gay men! This Is What’s Wrong: Nassar I cough lightly, and he speaks, “If you’re wondering why I dropped by it’s because I thought you might have answers. I take important steps to be who I am. You’ve been down my road, it seems. What’s and MSU Are Not Alone it like at the finish? Would you do things differently?” Direct and to the point. BY SUSAN GRETTENBERGER “Near the finish? Hey, young guy, I’m not over the hill yet! Different? Yes! I’d stay out of debt,” I said. “I’d get my college degree sooner, I wouldn’t drink, I’d have fewer lovers and more friends. And, I’d tell anybody who put me down to go suck a hardboiled egg. am a Michigan State University alum. Currently, I Lansing, Michigan – the headlines and the commentaries Would I be gay again? Silly boy!” am a faculty member at Central Michigan University, were non-stop. I have been horrified at the harm done to For once I said the right thing. He laughs. where I and my colleagues are entrusted with hundreds of young female athletes who trusted a doctor “Great!” He beams, taking his leave. “It’s important to know I thousands of young adults beginning to negotiate the to help them compete, and trusted their mentors to keep someone who’s been there. Goodbye. For what it’s worth, God bless!” world on their own. I am a former female college them safe. These women deserve every effort possible And, as hug warmly at the door, maybe for the last time, he smiles athlete, I am a social worker whose clients who include to make things better, even though things can never be and says, “Thank you for being me. We’ve come a long way, Haven’t young victims of sexual abuse and women who have made fully right. Yet, each time I read another story or we.” experienced violence at the hands of men, I am personally was asked by another person if former MSU President connected to many young adults who have experienced Lou Anna Simon should have resigned, I stumbled on my Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL columnist (700-plus columns) sexual assault and, finally, I am the adoptive mom to four response. I started to wonder what was wrong with me, and as a well-known LGBT community artist (1000 Face Book images). He kids – including a daughter – who all went to college. a passionate advocate for women, fumbling for a clean is a Spirit of Detroit Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT CENTER From these many perspectives, I keep trying to untangle answer and being annoyed as politicians and others called the MSU/Nassar scandal. Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect with him at [email protected]. For me – living as I do at Ground Zero of this crisis, See next page 8 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com This is a problem. It isn’t the problem. Sexual assault of women, including young women, is an epidemic that touches every single campus in our country. It is fueled by a long-accepted Donald Trump BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI social culture which devalues women and denies them the right to decide how they want their bodies touched. was in a coffee shop and the song “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities started If we have to wait until every I playing. I’ve heard it many times and American gets to know a trans while it’s good, I’ve never paid much culture of consent on campus, and demands attention to it. But I just finished reading person before full equality is ® Viewpoint: Nassar and MSU for services to help the victims when the Sarah McBride’s memoir “Tomorrow Will achieved we are never going to Continued from p. 8 culture of consent is violated. Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight This is what’s wrong: These sexual assaults for Trans Equality.” In it, this song plays a get there. Which is why cis gender special role in her relationship with Andrew for heads to roll, called for accountability. I are more common – a date gone very bad, people need to advocate for trans think I know now. a roommate’s friend who stayed at their Cray, the man she would fall in love with. This is what’s wrong: Michigan State apartment, a trusted friend from home who The man she would marry. The man she folks. As anyone who isn’t a cis University and Nassar are not The Problem. this time decided he wanted sex, a boyfriend lost four days after their wedding to cancer. The understandably fierce attention being paid who is violent and doesn’t care if he has So the song now makes me think of gender heterosexual white male to this scandal, to this egregious incidence consent, someone changes their mind but it these two young people finding love in knows, having to fight for your most of abuse by a particularly smooth and doesn’t matter. The results are devastating each other, making a life together and the convincing physician who used his status to for each of these victims. Some are so shaken tragedy of that life together being cut so basic rights and constantly advocate harm his patients and deceive even his medical and distraught they fail their classes, and even terribly short. colleagues is only a single situation. This is a attempt suicide. Many, maybe most, keep But today “Safe and Sound” took on for your own humanity is exhausting. problem. It isn’t the problem. Sexual assault silent for various reasons. Nassar is the tiny tip even more significance because as I was of women, including young women, is an of the iceberg for sexual assault on campuses, listening to the song I was reading about and campuses are but a reflection of a broader the Trump administration’s plans to scrap included. epidemic that touches every single campus As McBride points out in her book, in our country. It is fueled by a long-accepted culture. When will people start asking what transgender health care protections. we need to do to make things better for all As the Boston Globe so plainly puts it: people are much more likely to support trans social culture which devalues women and equality if they know a trans person and the denies them the right to decide how they the victims on college campuses? Where are “The Trump administration says it plans to the politicians stepping up to offer funding so roll back a rule issued by former president number of Americans who know someone want their bodies touched. The MSU/Nassar has grown a lot in the last few years. But scandal absolutely must be addressed, but I universities so that they can provide adequate Barack Obama that prevents doctors, counseling for victims of any sexual assault? hospitals and health insurance companies that number is still quite small because the almost hear sighs of relief as the focus of the transgender population is quite small. If we national discussion of #MeToo has shifted The exposure of Nassar’s assaults should be from discriminating against transgender prompting soul searching at every university people.” have to wait until every American gets to to a discussion of a sports problem, of one know a trans person before full equality is university’s problem. The sighs are from all in the country. Officials and politicians should This is, of course, terrible, cruel and also be asking how we change the broader completely unnecessary. But there’s an achieved we are never going to get there. those people and institutions which might Which is why cisgender people need to otherwise be on the hot seat in MSU’s place. culture and until we do, asking what we can do added layer of awfulness: one of the people help the thousands of young adults on college instrumental in crafting the rule protecting advocate for trans folks. As anyone who This is not a sports problem. This is not isn’t a cisgender heterosexual white male specifically a higher education problem. It is campuses who have been sexually assaulted. trans people was none other than Andrew Cray. knows, having to fight for your most basic a society-wide problem. rights and constantly advocate for your own This is what’s wrong: there are many You could say this is a good example of Susan Grettenberger, PhD, MSW is a Director/ “adding insult to injury,” but such hateful humanity is exhausting. thousands more young women – and although Professor in the Social Work Program at Central And unfortunately for transgender fewer in number, young men – who are discrimination goes beyond insult. It will, Michigan University. She and her wife Nicole are Americans, they are the direct target of the struggling to hang on due to the sexual however, lead to injury in that it will harm committed to ending sexual violence. (No last transgender people, a group so reviled by most powerful people in the country. It’s not assaults they have experienced during the a fair fight by any means, but so long as we time they were, or perhaps still are, in college. name used as she works for MSU). This article the Trump administration that every step originally appeared in the National Association forward toward freedom and equality under have hateful bigots in D.C., trans people are The situation at MSU should be awakening in an especially dangerous position. demands for increased efforts to create a of Social Workers member newsletter. Obama, however small, has been met with hostile pushback. Though let me be clear: trans people There’s this idea the so-called religious have always been in danger. While we’ve right has that trans people drive up health witnessed some gains in recent years, trans care costs with their incessant demands for people are at a higher risk of discrimination transition surgery that surgeons are being and violence. Trans women of color are at forced to perform. That was one of the stated an especially high risk of physical violence reasons behind Trump’s ban on transgender and being murdered. troops: the country can’t afford all these If you support trans equality you need to trans troops mooching off the military for be more than a silent partner. Speak out and health care. Let me just state that 1) There is stand up for trans people. Want some tips for nothing the military can’t find money for if how to be a good ally? The National Center they want to and 2) If a transgender person for Transgender Equality has an excellent serves the country by volunteering to risk guide at transequality.org at gaybe.am/RX. life and limb, something the vast majority As Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “Injustice of Americans will never and would never anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” do, then the least we can do is pay for their Putting it another way, until trans people are damn health care needs, transition surgery safe and sound, nobody is safe and sound. www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 9 Campaign Seeks to Expose Anti-LGBT History of ‘The Real Mike Pence’ NEWS surgery (The amendment failed on the House floor). With rumors circulating Pence was BY CHRIS JOHNSON a driving force behind President Trump’s transgender military ban, the report asserts he nation’s largest LGBT group the vice president had a helping hand on the launched a new campaign on Thursday issue. Pence’s office has denied any major seeking to expose the anti-LGBT record T involvement on the issue. of the No. 2 public official in the U.S.: Vice President Mike Pence. The Human Rights Campaign initiative consists of a video highlighting Pence’s past anti-LGBT statements over his years in public office as well as a report detailing his anti- LGBT record and positions contrary to other progressive causes, such as abortion rights for women, climate change and gun control. Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement Pence, “Has made a career out of attacking the rights and THE REAL equal dignity of LGBTQ people, women and other marginalized communities.” MIKE “Now as vice president, he poses one of the greatest threats to equality in the history A new report seeks to expose the anti-LGBT record of Vice President Pence (Washington Blade file photo by PENCE of our movement,” Griffin added. “With the Michael Key) A LIFETIME OF ATTACKS ON world distracted by Donald Trump’s scandal- THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY 1 ridden White House, Mike Pence’s nefarious businesses to deny services to LGBT people. Non-Discrimination Act and “Don’t Ask, THE MOST POWERFUL AND LEAST SCRUTINIZED VICE PRESIDENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY agenda has been allowed to fly under the radar But the campaign also talks about his time as Don’t Tell” repeal. for too long. He has become not only the most a lawmaker, when he took to the floor of the In his role as vice president, the Human Read the report online at gaybe.am/PD. powerful vice president in American history, U.S. House to support a U.S. constitutional Rights Campaign credits Pence with quietly This article originally appeared in the Washington but also the least scrutinized. No more.” amendment that would have banned same-sex lobbying Congress to pass an amendment that One highlight of the material is the “religious marriage nationwide and spoke out against would barred payment in the U.S. military Blade and is made available in partnership with freedom” bill Pence signed into law as hate crimes protections, the Employment health system for gender reassignment the National LGBT Media Association. governor of Indiana enabling individuals and Senate Confirms Anti-LGBT Jim Bridenstine as NASA Chief

BY CHRIS JOHNSON awarded him a score of “0” based on his experience, but also because it is clearly voting record. Bridenstine earned a “30” out contrary to the choice of the people as resident Trump’s pick to head NASA of 100 in the 112th Congress for rejecting an expressed in a constitutionally valid process.” was confirmed on Thursday in the amendment that would have taken out LGBT Bridenstine also called Obama-era guidance PU.S. Senate despite opposition from protections in reauthorization for the Violence requiring schools to allow transgender kids lawmakers and LGBT groups who opposed Against Women Act (although he ended up to use the restroom consistent with their him on the basis of his anti-LGBT record. voting against the larger LGBT-inclusive bill). gender identity “lawless federal bullying.” Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.), who has In 2013, when the Boy Scouts of America The Trump administration would later rescind served as a three-term member of Congress lifted its ban on gay youths, Bridenstine the guidance. representing Oklahoma’s 1st congressional delivered a speech on the House floor in Zeke Stokes, vice president of programs district in the U.S. House, was confirmed as opposition to the change, suggesting LGBT at GLAAD, decried the Senate confirmation administrator of the National Aeronautics & people are immoral. of Bridenstine in a statement as “yet another Space Administration by a party-line vote of “The left’s agenda is not about tolerance, attack by this administration on LGBTQ 50-49. and it’s not about diversity of thought,” people.” Nominated by Trump to become head of Bridenstine said in 2013. “It’s about presenting “It’s time for the Senate to take a hard look NASA in September, Bridenstine’s nomination a worldview of relativism, where there is no at the nominations they are confirming and languished in the Senate for seven months. right and wrong, then using the full force of the potential ramifications these anti-LGBTQ In addition to opposition over his anti- the government to silence opposition and politicians stand to have on the LGBTQ LGBT views, lawmaker cited as concerns reshape organizations like the Boy Scouts into employees in their agencies and within our Bridenstine’s denial of climate change and instruments for social change.” country as a whole,” Stokes said. “Mid-term potentially placing him in charge of a U.S. An opponent of same-sex marriage, elections are around the corner, and our agency that has monitored its impact. Bridenstine has co-sponsored legislation community has a very good memory.” Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla) was confirmed as A three-term member of Congress, against it and called the U.S. Supreme Court NASA chief despite his anti-LGBT views. (Photo Bridenstine has amassed an anti-LGBT decision against the anti-gay Defense of public domain) This article originally appeared in the Washington record based on his votes in Congress. In the Marriage Act “a disappointment not only last Congress, the Human Rights Campaign because it is contrary to millennia of human Blade and is made available in partnership with the National LGBT Media Association. 10 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com CAGE FREE 24 / 7 HAPPY HOUNDS

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There are hundreds of businesses and nonprofits in this edition of Pride Source Magazine & they welcome everyone. Invest in equality and work with organizations that support Michigan’s LGBTQ community! 128 Pages of Essential Michigan Resources In print & online @ www.pridesource.com www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 11 FLASHBACK: Blade’s 1989 Report on Barbara Bush Hugging Man with AIDS BY WASHINGTON BLADE STAFF important symbol that Bush brought along with her to Wednesday’s meeting Dr. Burton Editor’s Note: Below is the article the Lee, the new White House physician. Lee, Washington Blade published in its March 24, noted Tesconi, served on President Ronald 1989 edition on then-first lady Barbara Bush’s Reagan’s AIDS commission. visit to Grandma’s House in D.C., which “He came up to me afterwards,” said housed children with HIV at a time when the Tesconi, “and he hugged me, too. I felt disease was a death sentence. throughout the morning that they were both Bush died this week at age 92 and was very sincere about their concern over AIDS. remembered for being a gay ally and bringing It was not just a bunch of photo opportunities visibility to AIDS at a time when both carried with babies. She hugged adults, too. We substantial stigma. As the Blade article notes, weren’t being used.” Bush during her visit embraced not only First Lady Bush answered a few brief children with the disease, but a gay activist questions from reporters waiting outside the with AIDS, Lou Tesconi. Tesconi died in 1991 shelter. And though Graham and Tesconi at age 42. said they could not hear her remarks from where they were standing, Patsy Lynch, who was allowed inside the shelter as a pool Barbara Bush Embraces Man photographer for United Press International, with AIDS said Bush called AIDS a “terrible disease.” Barbara Bush and Jim Graham, then head of the Whitman-Walker Clinic, shake hands upon her arrival at the clinic When asked whether the government is doing First lady Barbara Bush focused media for the dedication of the Bill Austin Treatment Center on Dec. 19, 1982. (Photo courtesy billwillsonphotos.com) enough to combat AIDS, said Lynch, Bush attention on AIDS this week and startled “started to say they’d have to ask George some city activists when she hugged a gay Bush about that, then she said ‘No, I don’t Tesconi and Jim Graham, administrator of Tesconi said Bush was clearly responding man with AIDS in deliberate view of a field think there’s enough money for AIDS or for the Whitman-Walker Clinic and one of the to his suggestion during the briefing inside of news cameras. other illnesses.’” other activists who briefed Bush on AIDS the shelter that the first lady use her visibility Bush had just finished visiting a local shelter Graham said he believes Bush may have during the visit, said they considered the first and position to “collectively hug people with called Grandma’s House, for babies With been inspired to visit Grandma’s House in part lady’s hug to be an important symbol. AIDS in front of the world.” Tesconi said AIDS, Wednesday morning when she escorted because she is Episcopalian and the shelter “This was really a splendid opportunity,” Bush hugged him while they were inside the a small group of AIDS activists outside to is run by the Episcopal Caring Response said Graham, “for the first lady to indicate shelter, too. a waiting corps of press photographers and committee. He said that in his brief remarks to her general concern about people with AIDS. Wednesday’s meeting was initiated by reporters. According to Lou Tesconi, a gay the First Lady, he pointed out that he believes Her holding Lou Tesconi was historic. It was Bush, according to Tesconi, executive director man with AIDS who heads up another shelter it is important for her to talk about “all people totally on her own impetus, she came forward, and founder of the Damian Ministries, which for people with AIDS, Bush made a statement with AIDS, regardless of their age or their it was very emotional but warm, she gave him provides services to women with AIDS and about AIDS “and then gave me a great big hug sexual orientation.” —By Lisa Keen in front of everybody.” a real body hug.” others. Tesconi said he also considers it an Syracuse University Suspends Frat for ‘Racist, Anti-Semitic, Homophobic’ Video

BY MARIAH COOPER According to the Daily Orange, in an statement explaining that the “satirical video” is a conservative Republican, and the new unreleased video from the Facebook page, was meant to roast a conservative Republican members roasted him by playing the part of a yracuse University has suspended its one person sits in a rolling chair while member in the fraternity. racist conservative character,” the statement chapter of engineering fraternity Theta another person tells him “He’s drooling out of “It’s with profound embarrassment and continues.“It was a satirical sketch of an STau after a controversial video emerged his mouth because disappointment in uneducated, racist, homophobic, misogynist, showing fraternity members mocking gay, he’s retarded in a ourselves that we sexist, ableist and intolerant person. The young black, Jewish and Hispanic people. wheelchair.” find our fraternity man playing the part of this character nor the The Daily Orange, an independent student In another part in this situation,” young man being roasted do not hold any of newspaper ran by Syracuse Univesity students, of the recording, the statement the horrible views espoused as a part of that posted a video from the chapter’s private a person says reads from sketch.” Facebook page called “Tau of Theta Tau.” “Get together and Theta Tau on its The national Theta Tau organization also In the video, the members perform a [talk] about their website. “Anyone released a statement saying that “the content of narrative that uses racist, sexist, homophobic significant others of color or of any the video is unacceptable and directly violates and ableist language while also simulating while drinking marginalized group the values and expectations that have been put sexual acts on each other. different wines and who has seen this in place for all of our chapters.” ‘I solemnly swear to always have hatred talking in gay, girly video has every Even though the video was meant as a skit, in my heart for n******, s**** and most accents.” right to be angry the organization says “this does not excuse importantly the f****** k****,” one member Syracuse Screenshot via YouTube and upset with the the behavior.” says during the video. University Chancellor despicable contents of The University’s Department of Public “You f–king k—s, get in the f–king Kent Syverud called that video.” Safety is currently investigating the identities showers,” another member says in reference the students’ behavior “extremely racist, “Each semester our new members are given of the video’s participants. to the gas chamber. anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and hostile the opportunity to write and act out a skit, in This article originally appeared in the Washington One member also gets on his knees in front to people with disabilities,” in a statement on order to roast the active brothers. This event of another member and says “F*** black Wednesday. was never intended to be centered around Blade and is made available in partnership with people” while simulating oral sex. The fraternity chapter released its own racism or hate. This year, one of these brothers the National LGBT Media Association.

12 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Michigan’s Definitive LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding and Anniversary Guide MiLGBTWedding.com

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Call 734-293-7200 ext. 22 www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 13 JESSIE WARE DANCES THROUGH LIFE (AND SOON, HER NEXT ALBUM) Photo: Tom Beard Photo: Tom Songstress Talks Wig-Snatching and Gaining Confidence From the Queer Community

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI in tow, the siblings have just arrived at a Palm album of escapist club music next. and I could see it was a really gay crowd and it Springs lodge they rented, a family vacation Though jet-lagged, Ware discussed her was such a wild night, and I was like, “Listen, essie Ware only recently learned what before Ware’s Coachella performance. plans to start watching “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” guys, my brother’s looking fab tonight, it’s “wig-snatching” means, and fresh off For her solo live shows, Ware’s culled her supportive friendship with Sam Smith, and Berlin, a lot of very handsome men out there; the European leg of her current tour, I’ve J a setlist encompassing her three musically how the queer community helped her through who would be up for taking my brother out?” taught her “guncle.” The 33-year-old British varied releases: her debut “Devotion” (2012), a very challenging time. It turns out that my brother had been on a songstress takes full advantage of this latest which features her breakout single “Wildest date with one of them previously in the day lesson in queer-speak, breaking from our Moments”; her even-more sophisticated Speaking of your brother, is he dating one of and Alex texted me after the show, “I don’t phone chat just long enough to inform her gay “Tough Love” (2014); and last year’s your gay fans yet? need you to pimp me out. I’m fine.” But I brother, Alex, he’s a guncle (“I’ll take that,” he experimental “Glasshouse,” a collection so No, he isn’t dating one of my gay fans yet. He have tried. There’s been some admirers, but says). With Ware’s nearly-2-year-old baby girl personal she tells me she wants to record a full was on tour with me and we were in Berlin I definitely think he’s enjoyed – I’m sure he’s

14 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com INFO made me feel very straight and very old. Jessie Ware You kept Whitney and Barbra vinyls in the recording booth while recording “Devotion.” For 7 p.m. May 2 “Glasshouse,” which divas were guiding you? Majestic I think spiritual guides for “Glasshouse” were 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit probably Carole King and Nina Simone, even majesticdetroit.com though you probably can’t hear that in the record. I really kind of got obsessed with the definitely used it to his advantage before. But art of songwriting. And Joni Mitchell. That no, we don’t have a new guncle to add. was something I felt I needed to improve upon, and I really appreciate what they were “Taking in Water,” a song about your brother’s doing, and I got lost in that and those were struggle to come out, is so special and has the worlds I was living in and listening to a meant a lot to many queer people. lot. You’re making me wanna put it back in the When we spoke in 2012, you couldn’t quite show. I haven’t got it in the set. I haven’t explain why the queer community connected sung it for years, and I love that song and I with you. Six years later, has the reason for that remember how much people loved it, and bond become clearer? you’re making me think maybe I should practice it with my band. If I’m being honest, I still don’t know why they embrace me, but I fully support it and enjoy it. I’m sure that would make a lot of gay people It’s been so important to my shows. It’s given who come to your shows very happy. By the way, me energy, it’s given me confidence, having I hear there’s been some wig-snatching going on the queer community so devoted to me and at these performances. supportive, and I think they’re incredibly loyal and they’re fun. Oh my goodness, the wig-snatching has been When I was a rabbit in the headlights five a revolution and also so fun. years ago, they gave me the confidence I Didn’t someone throw a wig on stage at your needed to feel like I could go into that zone of Manchester show? feeling like, as much as it was maybe tongue in cheek for me, that diva mode, which I think I’ve had multiple wigs, thongs, bras. The first they really celebrate and I really tried to do that wig I dragged around with my heels like a for this show. I think sometimes I’ve been quite dead cat, accidentally. I hadn’t seen it come apologetic – it’s a very British thing to do – but on the stage, and then I walked around with it, I think the queer community has given me this so it kind of ruins the wig-snatching moment, positive celebration of being able to express I feel. It wasn’t as fabulous as it could have myself, and it’s almost escapism and it’s fun, been, but it did make everyone laugh. and that’s how a live show should be. I’ll never A wig is one thing, but what prompts a fan to forget how loyal they’ve been; that counts as throw a thong on stage? something when you’re three albums in and fans come back from five years ago. I don’t know if they’re all just trying to entertain me and they know I find it hysterical, Sam Smith is a devoted fan and has been tweeting but you know, it’s not just gay men – I think about you since the beginning of your career. maybe that was from a gay woman, and that He’s a really good friend of mine and we’re so was fabulous. proud of each other. He’s so supportive, and I Or a drag queen. love that all his backstage shots are him in, like, the highest heels that I can’t even wear, and a Or a drag queen! Absolutely. I’d kind of love wig. Seems like every day he has a different it to be from a drag queen, but I didn’t see wig and a different heel on. Above all, he’s any in the audience. I think it came from a really good friend and he’s at the end of when the song “Midnight” (the first single the phone, and I am for him for when he has from “Glasshouse”) came out and I had been worries and he wants to complain about this away for a bit. I came back and “Midnight” bloody industry. It’s a tough, old industry, and was this kind of fierce diva moment for me. so he’s incredibly supportive, and I love him. I I really sang out, and I think my fans really love him so much. enjoyed it. The online world has always been pretty positive for me, but just hysterical. And What industry challenges have you had to deal memes and gifs – I feel like such a fucking with? old woman! It was just so fun, and I didn’t know what wig-snatching was. It comes Sometimes the business side of the industry from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” right? And I feel was taking over the creative side and it took me really bad because RuPaul has always been to really just stop and be like, “I feel a little bit really sweet. From the beginning, RuPaul dead on the stage.” I was lacking confidence. I would retweet videos of mine, and I think just had a baby; I thought people were going to some contestants have performed some of judge, however stupid that sounds. It’s a very my songs on the show. So, I need to watch it male-led industry. Straight, male-led industry, because I had to Google what wig-snatching and they have opinions and they seep through meant and it was kind of embarrassing. It Continued on page 16 www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 15 doesn’t make it sound as important – but I feel ® Jessie Ware like I really wanna enjoy that soul boogie. Can Continued from p. 15 I say disco? I don’t know.

into you whether you like it or not. I’m a pretty Club music? strong woman, I think, but you can’t help but Club music! Which is where I came from! have that. And you come back from having a Sometimes you kind of forget – I haven’t baby, and I felt I had so much to prove. I had to forgotten where I came from. I have a lot of kind of be – pretend to be – this superwoman love for that world that embraced me at the who could do everything. It was just … it’s beginning, and I feel like I wanna go back to been exhausting. it and enjoy it and dance. This record was really important for me to write because it was documenting a stage in Who are your dance divas? my life which was new, and I have all these Chaka Khan. Any of the Whitney upbeat emotions and feelings, and I think sometimes stuff. I love Róisín Marie Murphy, I love Tina you feel a little bit dead, you run out of new Marie. feelings. Having a child was a different kind of love, which was so inspiring and amazing Sounds like this album could help loosen you up. to write about, but also the most challenging. And I think that’s what I need! This job is I think what’s next for me is, I wanna make a supposed to be fun, and sometimes you record that’s pure dance, and I think it’s because forget. It’s something that especially the of the queer community. queer community will enjoy. I’ve done enough mid-tempo ballads. It’s time for a bit What, personally, inspired this upcoming dance of a switch-up. detour? I think it’s a reaction to doing something so As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ autobiographical for this third record. I don’t wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a feel like I need to do that again. I don’t think multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, there are so many songs I need to write that are Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his like “Sam” (from “Glasshouse”) and I wanna website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on test myself – it’s a challenge. I see the reaction to songs like “If You’re Never Gonna Move” Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). and “Midnight,” these kind of more bombastic, uptempo things – I hate the word uptempo; it

16 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Theatre NOVA’s ‘The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith’ Extended

BY BTL STAFF Like for one fan who said, “Great show. I Smith’s life as well. brought my mom with me – 90 years old “Director Lynch Travis makes fine use ANN ARBOR, Mich – Ann Arbor’s – (and) there were times when we were of the small, intimate Theatre Nova space Theatre Nova has announced an both transported to a different time.” by having Edmonds dance, swagger Cool Cities extension of its smash hit “The Devil’s The show is the Michigan premiere and sashay across the tiny ‘house-party’ Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie of the hit Off-Broadway musical that space, drawing the audience toward her Smith” by Angelo Parra. The show was celebrates the life of musician Bessie and into her story,” the magazine said. slated to run through April 22 but has Smith. “The Devil’s Music” re-imagines “The music isn’t random, and Travis been extended through April 29 due to Bessie’s final electrifying evening after makes the connections clear as Smith full houses, glowing audience response she and her band are turned away by unreels her story under the influence of and critical acclaim. a whites-only theater. The show is an ever-handy glass of alcohol – usually “One of your best productions. Wow! music-heavy as it’s packed with many gin – but ... she and Travis do not let Can she ever sing and move? I could of Bessie’s all-time hits, with songs like Smith become a caricature.” almost convince myself I was seeing the “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” “St. Louis Blues” Theatre NOVA is located at 410 W. Huron, real Bessie. Excellent piano, too. A day and “’Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do.” later and I’m still tapping the beat,” said However, as fun as the show may be, Ann Arbor. Remaining performances are one audience member. Ann Arbor’s “Pulp” magazine has said April 19, 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and The show also appealed to all ages. that the show knows when to “rein” in April 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. Theatre NOVA the celebration and be serious about features free parking for patrons. Ann Arbor’s Dawn Farm Offers Presentation Jim Toy Center Hosts on Gratitude and Addiction Recovery Chipotle Fundraiser May 1 BY BTL STAFF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET BY BTL STAFF Pinpoint your ad dollars where Addiction recovery is by no means Few LGBTQ activists receive the same they will do the most good . . . an easy feat, but amount of recognition as Jim Toy has. Over Advertise in the next Cool Cities understanding that one the past 40 years, he has resolved himself to TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 might need help is one providing a safe spaces for LGBTQ people way to get treatment across the state of Michigan, and even has a started. Dr. Amy R. dedicated Ann Arbor-based LGBTQ center in Krentzman is hosting his name. Notably, Toy was also responsible a free presentation for establishing the first campus center devoted that focuses on to support sexual minority group members. gratitude and how For those interested in supporting the understanding it community center as well as Ann Arbor Pride can aid with one’s 2018, they can purchase dinner at the Chipotle recovery. at 235 S. State St., in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, her findings at this presentation. She has a Master’s May 1. degree in social work and is an assistant professor at the school The free event will be held from 7:30 of social work at the University To make sure that 50 percent of the proceeds go to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at the of Minnesota and an adjunct to these LGBTQ causes, show the cashier the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education research investigator at the Facebook event on a phone. The flyer can be found Center auditorium. It is located at University of Michigan Medical by going online to gaybe.am/os. School, and will present some 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti.

www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 17 13

10 Cool Cities 6 3 18 11 17 9 16 4 14 20 1 21 15 12 5 22 2

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18 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 19 King Krule at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit A varied blend of indie rock, punk, jazz and all that’s in-between, King Krule doesn’t shy away from a unique sound that’s uniquely his own. Born Archy Ivan Marshall, the London-born musician is coming to Detroit’s St. Andrew’s Hall. The 23-year- old musician is now touring with his latest album “The Ooz.” More information can be found online at saintandrewsdetroit.com.

Sunday, April 29 meets the 1st Tuesday of each month Sunday, May 6 OUTINGS at 7 to 8:30 p.m. St. Mary’s In-the-Hills Joyful Resistance 3 p.m. Under the Episcopal Church, An event every month Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups Friday, April 27 direction of Mighty Medicine’s DeShaun that begins at 7 p.m. on day First of the 6:30 p.m. Event Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Snead: Salus Singers: Lansing’s Queer FREE and OPEN to the community. For 2nd Annual Spring Luncheon Equality month, repeating indefinitely St. Mary’s Quoir Our *debut* Spring Concert! parents of transgender kids, this group Michigan 11:30 a.m. Kalamazoo born and In The Hills Episcopal Church, 2512 Founder/Director Phiwa Langeni will meets the 1st Sunday of each month from raised Eric Fanning- the first openly gay, Joslyn Court,Lake Orion. 248-391-0663. be our emcee for the afternoon. You 6:30 to 8 p.m. Hilltop Counseling 115 W. former U.S. Secretary of the Army- will standwithtrans.org. won’t want to miss it! $10 Pre-Sales, Maumee St., Adrian. An event every month be Equality Michigan’s featured speaker The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington that begins at 6:30 p.m. on day First of at our 2nd annual spring luncheon “The Wednesday, May 2 Ave.,Lansing. 989-878-1810. info@ the month, repeating indefinitely Hilltop Business Case for Equality.” Michigan saluscenter.org. therobintheatre.com. Rosie O’Grady’s First Wednesday Counseling, 115 W. Maumee St.,Adrian. businesses Frederik Meijer Gardens & Gayest Tin Can Raffle Ever! 7 p.m. 313-909-5408. standwithtrans.org. Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. Join us at Rosie O’Grady’s for their First hilltopcounseling.org. NE,Grand Rapids. 888-957-1580. Tuesday, May 1 Wednesday Gayest Tin Can Raffle Ever for Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups Ferndale Pride! Rosie O’Grady’s, 279 W. Thursday, May 10 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-591-9163. 7 p.m. Event Time: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of FREE and OPEN to the community. For [email protected]. ferndalepride. com. Commerce Merge & Mixer 6:30 p.m. parents of transgender kids, this group Michigan Employee Resource Groups for Equality (MERGE) Monthly Networking Event. All are welcomed to network. Host by: Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Check website for monthly location, RSVP is Required. An event every month that begins at 6:30 p.m. on day Second of the month, repeating until December 13 Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile TWindover Women’s Resort Road,Ferndale. 248-542-7646. info@ detroitlgbtchamber.com. ferndalesoho. Spring Cleaning com.detroitlgbtchamber.com. Camping can be a great way to enjoy the warmer Friday, May 11 weather, and now it’s also possible to “rough it” in Live Band Karaoke at Dino’s for luxury and catch up with friends at the same time Ferndale Pride 9:30 p.m. Another awesome Ferndale Pride event happening at the Windover Women’s Resort. On April 27 throug at Dino’s in Ferndale for Live Band 29 the resort is hosting its “Settlin’ in and Opening Karaoke! Put on your musical shoes and Up” weekend where they’ll finish up spring cleaning and invite camp-goers to help out with lunch come perform! Dino’s Restaurant, 22740 Woodward Ave.,Ferndale. 248-591-3466. and amenities provided. More information can be found online at windoverwomensresort.com. [email protected]. ferndalepride. com.

20 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Touring Cast of ‘On Your Feet!’ Helps Fight AIDS with Concert for a Cure Cast members of the nationally-touring production “On Your Feet!” will perform a special concert to benefit Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS. This special concert will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 7 at Ferndale’s Loving Touch at 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. More information can be found online at thelovingtouchferndale.com.

13th Annual Friends for Animals of Westside Art Hop May 19, 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12 Metro Detroit Mutt Strut! May 12, 8 a.m. Westside Art Hop is an art walk in 13th Annual Friends for Animals of The 5K run and 2.2 mile walk is Metro neighborhood homes, studios, porches and Metro Detroit Mutt Strut! 8 a.m. The 5K Detroit’s only springtime pet-friendly yards on Saturday May 19th, 10 a.m. to 5 run and 2.2 mile walk is Metro Detroit’s run and walk! The Mutt Strut welcomes p.m. Find cards and gifts from under $5, only springtime pet-friendly run and walk! families and individuals of all skill levels up to fine art at 700 Mount Vernon Ave., The Mutt Strut welcomes families and for the run and walk along Dearborn’s Ann Arbor. individuals of all skill levels for the run and Gateway Dearborn’s Gateway Trail, walk along Dearborn’s Gateway Dearborn’s 22051 Cherry Hill St.,Dearborn. events@ Star Wars and the Power of Costume Gateway Trail, 22051 Cherry Hill metrodetroitanimals.org. famdmuttstrut. May 20, 10 a.m. Star Wars™ and the St.,Dearborn. events@metrodetroitanimals. org. Power of Costume explores the challenges org.famdmuttstrut.org. in dressing the Star Wars universe from Mysterium May 17, 6 p.m. Following last the Galactic Senate and royalty to the Jedi, Monday, May 14 year’s sold-out inaugural event, Mysterium Sith and Droids™. Featuring more than 60 will feature DSO musicians performing in hand-crafted costumes. Detroit Institute of Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups three unique settings for an exhilarating Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313- 6:30 p.m. Macomb Teen/Youth Support musical experience. Ticket includes three 833-7900. dia.org. Group Event Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. All unique performances, hors d’oeuvres, youth are welcome to attend this FREE signature drinks, and an afterglow. Max M. group. Come and meet other trans* youth & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 and teens and support each other through THEATER Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-576-5162. On Your Feet! at the Fisher Theatre May your journeys. We meet the 2nd An event dso.org. every month that begins at 6:30 p.m. 1, 8 p.m. From their humble beginnings in on day Second of the month, repeating Ann Arbor Guitar Trio CD Release Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to indefinitely Dakota High School, 21051 Concert May 17, 7:30 p.m. The Ann Arbor America and broke through all barriers to 21 Mile Road,Macomb. 586-723-2700. Guitar Trio, a new ensemble founded on the become a crossover sensation at the very chippewavalleyschools.org. idea that more guitar is better, will release top of the pop music world. May 13 Fisher their debut CD, “Tides,” at the Kerrytown Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd.,Detroit. 313- Saturday, May 19 Concert House. Kerrytown Concert House, 872-1000. broadwayindetroit.com. 415 N. 4th Ave.,Ann Arbor. anestmusic@ National Theatre Live in HD: Spring Fling Dance – Women Out And gmail.com. kerrytownconcerthouse.com. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar May 6, About 7 p.m. DJ Carol, BYOB, Private 7 p.m. High-Definition Broadcasts from Dance Party at the Dance Scene. FREE Otus Supply Featuring Kate Wright May 23, 8 p.m. Another fantastic Ferndale National Theatre, London. Presented in Parking, Free Leis, and more! $15 Advance, partnership with the Michigan Theater. $20 at the door. The dance scene, 25333 Pride event coming at you! Come listen to the music of Kate Wright in Otus Supply’s Nicholas Hytner’s production thrusts Van Dyke,centerline. 248-943-2411. the audience into the street party that womenoutandabout.net. ‘The Parliament Room’. Check website for ticket pricing. Otus Supply, 345 E. Nine greets Caesar’s return, the congress that Soho’s 5th Annual Hot Daddies Contest Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-291-6160. julia@ witnesses his murder, the rally Michigan 8 p.m. Another great Ferndale Pride event ferndalepride.com julia@ferndalepride. Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734- happening at Soho! Come one, come all. com. otussupply.com. ferndalepride.com. 668-8397. ums.org. It’s the 5th Annual Hot Daddies Contest. A2CT Workshop: Physical Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile Road,Ferndale. Cinetopia Film Festival at Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater May 31, 7 p.m. Created Characterization May 12, 1 p.m. 248-542-7646. [email protected]/ Participants in this workshop will explore ferndalepride.com. for the people of southeastern Michigan, the Cinetopia Film Festival features the finding a character, and creating postures, best feature-length dramas, comedies, and gait and gestures for that characterization. documentaries from the world’s best film Technique exercises will be combined MUSIC & MORE festivals (e.g. Sundance, Cannes, Venice, with structured improvisations to eliminate Kygo at Masonic Temple May 3, 6:30 Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, Tribeca, etc.). An the self and find the other. A2CT Studio p.m. Norwegian born, Kygo, is slated to event every week that begins at 7:00pm Theatre, 322 W. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734- perform at Detroit’s Masonic Temple. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 971-2228. a2ct.org. Today, Kygo has been nominated for over Thursday, Friday and Saturday, repeating A2CT Jr. Theatre Presents: Elephant 30 music industry awards and has won until June 10 Michigan Theater, 603 E. 10. See our website for more information. and Piggie’s We are in a Play! May 18, Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. 7:30 p.m. An elephant named Gerald Detroit Masonic Temple, 3011 W. Grand cinetopiafestival.org. Blvd., #f100,Detroit. 800-854-2196. and a pig named Piggie are best, best, templedetroit.com “bestus” (a word Gerald and Piggie made up that means “very best”) friends, but Fort Street Chorale presents Mozart ART ‘N’ AROUND Gerald worries that something could go Requiem May 6, 3 p.m. The Fort Street Cat Mania! A celebration of cats variety wrong.Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Chorale and Chamber Orchestra present show! April 27, 8 p.m. Static presents Cat Ave.,Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538. smtd. Mozart’s beloved Requiem Sunday, May Mania! An art and variety show featuring a umich.edu. a2ct.org. 6 at 3 p.m. in Detroit’s historic Fort Street night of music, art, burlesque and vendors Presbyterian Church, under the baton of capturing the feline frenzy for a local cat All Childish Things: The Special Edition renowned conductor Dr. Arianne Abela. Fort rescue called the Hater Kitty Rescue Army! 7:30 p.m. In a galaxy far, far away Street Presbyterian Church, 631 W. Fort St., 18 and Tangent Gallery, 715 E. Milwaukee (Cincinnati), the caper of the millennium is Detroit. 313-961-4533. Ave.,Detroit. 248-445-1277. haterkitty. underway: the theft of millions of dollars of [email protected] com. Star Wars merchandise and memorabilia. But even the best laid plans can go awry Live Band Karaoke at Dino’s for epiphany studios Spring Show and .... An event every week that begins at 8 Ferndale Pride May 11, 9:30 p.m. Sale May 4, 4 p.m. Experience the art p.m. on Friday and Saturday, repeating Another awesome Ferndale Pride event of glassblowing at the epiphany studios until June 16. One event on June 7 at 7:30 happening at Dino’s in Ferndale for Live annual Spring Open Studio Friday, May 4, p.m. An event every week that begins at Band Karaoke! Put on your musical shoes 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday, May 5 2 p.m. on Sunday, repeating until June 17 and come perform! Dino’s Restaurant, to 6. Noon to 6 p.m. Epiphany studios, 770 Milan High School, 200 Big Red Dr.,Milan. 22740 Woodward Avenue,Ferndale. Orchard Lake Road,Pontiac. 248-745- 734-681-0112. info@roustabouttheatre. 248-591-3466 [email protected]. 3786. epiphanyglass.com. com. roustabouttheatre.com. ferndalepride.com. www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 21 Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE pretty good. The project has no title, but it does have “Downton Abbey”’s James and “EastEnders” mainstay Himesh Patel, as well Your Olympics Crush is as the most vague idea of a plot that involves ‘Dancing With The Stars’ music of the 1960s and/or 1970s, depending on whose rumors you believe. Doesn’t matter, No, we didn’t say which Olympics crush. you had us at Kate. That’s because the upcoming all-athletes season of “Dancing With the Stars” features several recent popular Olympic athletes, and It Is A Bad Idea To Mess With one of them is America’s Queer Sweetheart of figure skating, the witty and fierce Adam ‘Gay Kid and Fat Chick’ Rippon. The other two, though not LGBT, TV comedy director Amy York Rubin are just as swoon-worthy, depending on your (“Grown-ish,” “Fresh Off The Boat”) has orientation. There’s softball power pitcher signed on to direct the next film from comic Jennifer Finch Daigle to entice the lesbians, actor Bo Burnham (his debut feature as a and Chris Mazdzer, the luge stud whose writer-director, the already-acclaimed “Eighth scruffy appeal has not gone unnoticed by Grade,” hits theaters this summer). It’s called virtually all gay men with internet access. “Gay Kid and Fat Chick,” at least for now, and They’ll be joining problematic faves like we don’t dislike that title at all. Not only is it Tonya Harding and all-around fave-faves instantly memorable, but it takes dismissive like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In other words, language and uses it powerfully in a story the competition this time is poised to rival of teenage outsiders who create costumed the best seasons of the beloved (and, come superhero identities in order to get revenge on, really corny and you know it) series in on bullies, kind of like a queer “Kick-Ass.” terms of sheer physical power. Finally, we At the moment this one is in development – at know Adam won’t disappoint when it comes Paramount – so there’s no cast, but here us out his patented brand of charm and sass, so that’s when we say that J.J. Totah (“Champions”) is reason enough to watch. The ABC show bows the only choice to play “Gay Kid.” That young at the end of this month. man is practically already a queer superhero in real life. Anyway, we hope the script doesn’t involve them having to learn lessons about the futility of revenge. If you’ve seen “Heathers” you know there’s no satisfaction in that. Follow Kimberly Reed’s ‘Dark Money’ Transgender director Kimberly Reed’s documentary “Prodigal Sons” was the kind of indie success story every filmmaker hopes for: critically acclaimed, crowd pleasing, and award winning. Then her profile rose when she co-produced the moving documentary “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson.” And now her latest, “Dark Money,” hits arthouse theaters this summer before airing on PBS. Kate McKinnon This time around the subject matter is less queer specific and more urgently universal: the influence of untraceable corporate money and the way it influences not only American Kate McKinnon Is Currently In elections but also our democracy itself, thanks to the infamous Supreme Court ruling Talks For A Film With No Name on Citizens United. It’s the kind of activist “In talks” is what they call contract filmmaking designed to depress audiences but negotiations over salary, and while those to make them rise up against the oppressive are being hammered out, let’s all agree that forces that keep the super-rich in seemingly whatever’s being offered Kate McKinnon unstoppable power. Here’s hoping it pushes (“Ghostbusters”) should, just on principle, be the national conversation toward breaking the doubled. She’s that appealing, even in films grip corporations have on American politics that aren’t (and he’s been in a few of those by and life. Cue a group sing-along of “The this point. Good news, then, that the film she’s Internationale.” in talks to star in is from “Love, Actually” creator Richard Curtis, and acclaimed Romeo San Vicente doesn’t hate Mondays, just director Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting”), so the chances of it being pretty good are, well, Capitalism.

22 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com 19 She plays a 48 Orally pleasured 12 Tony of “The Odd lesbian in the 50 She plays a late-in- Couple” comedy reboot life lesbian mom in the 20 Ballet ___ 22 Farewell comedy reboot 21 Little black bk. listings to fifty million 54 Melville’s whale 27 Prop for “Once Upon a Frenchmen hunter Mattress” 23 I, Claudius? 55 Place for a Malgieri 28 “At Seventeen” singer 24 New York pastry 30 Numbskull Knicks org. 56 Actress Skye 31 Cheerleader’s shout 25 “Breakfast 57 Video game name 32 Smacked one’s lips on Pluto” actor 58 Porking noise? over Stephen 59 Set down 33 Site of Macbeth’s 26 Bones in 60 Genie portrayer death the back Barbara 34 “Sister Act” extra 29 Martin of 61 Adopted son of Adam 35 Nice beach season? the Daughters and Steve? of Bilitis 36 Aspirin brand 62 Untouchable head 30 In 37 PR piece about midvoyage, Down “Revamp,” for example 40 High-speed maybe 1 Many a senator stuck connection 31 Rupert it in him 41 Homes near polar Everett’s “ ___ 2 Pinball Wizard’s game bears, perhaps Life” venue 42 Nicks on a CD 32 She just 3 Realm of C.S. Lewis rebooted her comedy 43 Peter who played 4 Give the slip to Q Puzzle series from the Lawrence 5 Drag queen’s blade They’re Back ‘80s-’90s 44 Sandy of “Who’s 37 Some whistle- 6 Cowhand’s chow Afraid of Virginia Woolf” waist Across blowers 7 Atkins, who played 45 Beginnings 15 Thomas ___ Edison Woolf on Broadway 38 Colorado neighbor 49 Mishima, for one 1 Martin Crane’s support 16 Drag queen’s stocking 8 Come out 39 Fairy’s cousin 51 Meir contemporary 5 “The African Queen” shade 9 Short run 40 “Frozen” studio 52 Bottled (up) author 17 “Desert of the Heart” 43 Rene Auberjonois role 10 Poisonous bush 9 Way out of the closet novelist Jane 53 Ornament in 46 Flower for Colette 11 Dominate like a hairy “Cleopatra,” perhaps 13 Asian inland sea 18 Gertrude Stein’s guy? 14 Like a muscle Mary’s “Wars I Have ___ “ 47 Army N.C.O.

www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 23 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Find over 300 Non-Profit Listings Serving Michigan’s LGBTQ Online @ pridesource.com Transgender AIDS/HIV Campus Affirmations Ferndale There are dozens of AIDS/HIV organizations Currently there are 19 organizations listed FtM Detroit as active online at www.pridesource.com/ http://goaffirmations.org and resources listed at www.PrideSource. www.facebook.com/Affirmations/ https://www.facebook.com/ com. Here are just three of them: yellow pages. The following are some in FtMDetroit/ the southeast Michigan area: or follow them on Twitter @ AIDS Walk Detroit GoAffirmations. [email protected]. U-M Ann Arbor 290 W. Nine Mile Road Contact [email protected] or FtM A2 Ypsi Ferndale, MI 248-399-9255 for more information. Spectrum Center [email protected] 248-398-7105 The walk takes place this year on [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ Sunday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. at the http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu ftma2ypsi/ Royal Oak Farmers Market 734-763-4186 Legal Transgender Michigan Oakland University Gender Macomb County STD Clinic American Civil Liberties Union 23211 Woodward Ave. & Sexuality Center 27690 Van Dyke of Michigan Ferndale, MI Warren, MI 48093 [email protected] [email protected] 586-465-9217 www.oakland.edu/gsc Jay Kaplan, Staff Attorney, LGBT Project www.transgendermichigan.org http://health.macombgov. 248-370-4336 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 800-842-2954 www.aclumich.org org/Health-Programs-HPDC- Eastern Michigan University Trans Sistas of Color Project HIVAIDSCounselingTesting 313-578-6800 LGBT Resource Center Fair Michigan 19641 W. 7 Mile Rd. in Detroit Matrix Ryan White emich.edu/lgbtrc 313-537-7000 Ext 107 Find a digital version of PrideSource HIV/AIDS Program 734-487-4149 PO Box 6136 [email protected] Magazine online under Our LGBT Plymouth, MI 48170 www.facebook.com/TSCOPD/ 120 Parsons Street The Lawrence Tech LGBT 877-432-4764, 313-556-2300 Yellow Pages Detroit, MI 48201 Resource Center fairmichigan.org 888-226-6366 Facebook.com/fairmichigan2016 Youth 248-545-1435 ltu.edu/student_affairs/lgbt.asp Find these resources online www.matrixhumanservices.org/ Wayne State JIGSAW Know Your RIghts Project Ruth Ellis Center programs/ryanwhite/ Outlaws U-M student group 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, MI Adoption Services Facebook.com/groups/WayneStateJIGSAW [email protected] 48203 UNIFIED - HIV Health and Beyond [email protected] AIDS/HIV Hotlines 734-995-9867 [email protected] 3011 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 230 AIDS/HIV Organizations Facebook: Ruth Ellis Center Alzheimer’s Association Detroit, MI 48202 Community Centers 313-252-1950 313-446-9800 Older Adults Animal Shelter Michigan has nine active LGBTQ www.miunified.org SAGE Metro Detroit Ozone House community centers, with a tenth planned Anti-Violence Michigan HIV/STD Hotline 102 N. Hamilton Street in Lansing. Here are three of them. 290 W. Nine Mile Rd. Ferndale, MI Archives/Collections 800-872-2437 Ypsilanti, MI 313-578-6812 Campus; Student and Alumni Jim Toy Community Center sagemetrodetroit.org 734-662-2265 Ann Arbor Facebook: SAGE Metro Detroit 734-662-2222 Groups Advocacy www.jimtoycenter.org. Stand With Trans Cancer Support Groups www.facebook.com/jimtoycenter Farmington, MI Choruses Equality Michigan or follow them on Twitter @ Political www.standwithtrans.org Community Centers 19641 W. 7 Mile, Detroit, MI JimToyCenter. The LGBT and Allies Caucus of the 248-739-9254 313-537-7000 319 Braun Court Employee Resource Groups equalitymi.org Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Democratic Party Families and Parents Facebook.com/equalitymichigan 734-995-9867 Facebook.com/TheLGBTA- Foster Care LGBT Detroit CaucusoftheMDP Get Listed, Promote Foundations and Funders Stonewall for Revolution Detroit Your Events Hotlines & Switchboards www.lgbtdetroit.org. www.facebook.com/ Labor Union You can add or update any listing www.facebook.com/lgbtdetroit stonewall4reolution Legal Organizations or follow them on Twitter @ by going to www.PrideSource. Museums LGBTDetroit. Professional Groups com and clicking on Yellow Pages. 20025 Greenfield Road Once you submit your listing, our Music Groups Detroit, MI Detroit Regional LGBT staff will contact you to confirm National Organizations Phone: 313-397-2127 Chamber of Commerce your information. Political Organizations P.O. Box 32446 You can add your event to the Professional Organizations Detroit, MI 48232 Pride Source Calendar online Religious & Spiritual detroitlgbtchamber.com and in print by going to www. Senior Living 1-800-DET-LGBT PrideSource.com and clicking Seniors PRIDESOURCE Magazine Ties Like Me on Calendar, then “Add Event.” Social/Community Organizations Send any press releases and Professional networking events Sports The New Print Edition Coming June 1 announcements to editor@ third Weds. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Substance Abuse Pride Source Magazine is currently in production. Non Profit basic listings TiesLikeMe.org pridesource.com Transgender Groups/Services are free. Just send your information by April 15 to janstevenson@ Suits And The City pridesource.com. All advertising and content inquiries can also be made by Women’s Health calling 734-293-7200 ext. 101 Lansing, MI Youth Services [email protected] www.suitsandthecity.org 24 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 25 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Rep. Hoadley, Sen. O’Brien Honored by Caring Across Generations

BY BTL STAFF with how to care for our loved ones while making ends meet, but our policies are lagging LANSING – On April 19, State Rep. Jon far behind the reality of what Americans Hoadley and State Sen. Margaret O’Brien need,” said Ai-jen Poo, co-director of Caring were announced as Care Champion awardees Across Generations. “Luckily, we have by Caring Across Generations, a national care care champions like Rep. Hoadley and giving advocacy campaign. Senator O’Brien, who are showing us what Rep. Hoadley, an openly gay man, was is possible when principled leadership is recognized for being the chief sponsor of the coupled with bold policy solutions. We need Long-Term Care Study Bill HB 4674. That more elected officials like Rep. Hoadley and bill would do a rigorous needs assessment of Senator O’Brien to call for making our care long-term care in Michigan, so that we have infrastructure strong enough for the 21st the research necessary to make informed century.” decisions around long-term care in a state Michigan United is a partner of Caring whose population is aging rapidly. The bill has Across Generations. Its representative Ryan bipartisan support and over 40 co-sponsors. Bates said that he too was pleased to honor Hoadley gave testimony on it during a hearing both Hoadley and O’Brien. in the Health Policy Committee in the fall of “For years, Rep. Hoadley and Senator 2017. O-Brien have been legislators we can count on “I am excited and honored to accept this can continue to build momentum to sign this In particular, her bill, SB 749, passed in the to support the Caring Majority. We’re pleased award on behalf of all of the folks who are bill into law.” Senate in 2018 to allow, beginning in tax to be able to honor Rep. Hoadley and Senator doing work to protect the Caring Majority,” Senator O’Brien was recognized due to her year 2018, a Michigan income tax credit for O’Brien for their work, and look forward to says Rep. Hoadley. “The Long-Term Care support for in-home caregivers and families dependent care that mirrors the one offered at continuing to work together to ensure that all Study Bill is both the right thing to do for our providing care, such as care for children, the federal level. of us who need care and all of us who provide citizens and taxpayers of Michigan. I hope we elderly parents or disabled family members. “More and more families are struggling that care get the support we need,” said Bates.

Michigan’s Safe Delivery Law ACLU of Michigan to Hold LGBTQ Helping Save Newborns Community Forum in Benton Harbor BY BTL STAFF BY BTL STAFF them.” LANSING – As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month outreach efforts, “The forum will also give us the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is BENTON HARBOR – On suggestions on the hard questions we urging Michigan citizens to learn about the state’s Safe Delivery Law, and Tuesday, May 1 at 6 p.m., should be asking those that wish to how they can help keep babies safe by promoting awareness of the statute. Jay Kaplan of the ACLU of represent us in government,” Weber To highlight the importance of this potentially life-saving law, April 20 Michigan, in partnership with said. has been proclaimed Safe Delivery of Newborns Day by Gov. Rick Snyder. the OutCenter, will hold a free Discussion will be around the state Under the law, a biological parent may legally surrender an infant no more community forum at Benton of LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan, than 72 hours old to an emergency service provider. An emergency service Harbor’s Phoenix Coffeeshop. including employment and housing provider is a uniformed or otherwise identified employee or contractor of “The forum is an outstanding discrimination, religious exemption a hospital, fire department or police station that is inside the building and opportunity for allies and acts, insurance and healthcare for on duty, or a paramedic or emergency medical technician, who responds LGBTQ+ community transgender people and legal challenges to a 911 call. members to gather and talk facing LGBTQ+ families, such as “Tragically, newborn infants have died due to neglect and exposure after about the issues we are facing adoption. There will be plenty of being abandoned. This reminds us of the importance of ensuring public in our area right now,” said opportunity for community input, OutCenter Board Chair Marci questions and concerns, as well. awareness of the Safe Delivery Law,” said Nick Lyon, MDHHS director. Jay Kaplan “We urge all Michiganders to help spread the word about the safe, legal Weber. “I am looking very much forward and anonymous option of surrendering an infant, who will then be placed Presenter Jay Kaplan said to meeting with LGBT community with a loving adoptive family.” that, “As the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project members and allies affiliated with the OutCenter Since the state law was enacted in 2001, more than 200 babies have been serves members of the LGBT community throughout and am hoping to have both the opportunity to surrendered in Michigan. the State of Michigan, it’s important that we visit inform as well as have a productive dialogue with communities throughout Michigan to provide an the community,” said Kaplan. update on legal and policy issues, as well as hear The Phoenix Coffeeshop is located at 124 Water St. in To learn more about the Safe Delivery Law, visit Michigan.gov/safedelivery or call from constituents regarding both their concerns the toll-free 24-hour hotline at 866-733-7733. and needs, in order to ensure that we are addressing Benton Harbor. The venue will also provide coffee and food available for purchase throughout the evening.

26 BTL | April 26, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 26, 2018 | BTL 27